Bidirectional security sensor communication for a premises security system

ABSTRACT

A security system architecture including bidirectional communication between a sensor control device and one or more sensor devices coupled to the controller is provided. Such functionality is provided by virtue of a bidirectional wireless transceiver and processor in each sensor device. Embodiments of the present invention further provide this functionality by virtue of a coordinating transceiver coupled to the security system controller for communication with the sensor devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of premises security, monitoring and automation, and specifically to a security system providing two-way communication between security sensors and a security controller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A security system alerts occupants of a dwelling and emergency authorities of a violation of premises secured by the system. A typical security system includes a controller connected by wireless or wired connections to sensors deployed at various locations throughout the secured premises. In a home, sensor devices are usually deployed in doorways, windows, and other points of entry. Motion sensors can also be placed strategically within the home to detect unauthorized movement, while smoke and heat sensors can detect the presence of fire.

In a typical security system, sensor devices are configured only to transmit sensor event information to a monitoring controller. The sensor devices have a simple processor to interpret sensor event triggers, and have a unidirectional transmitter to provide event information to the monitoring controller. Having only a unidirectional transmitter makes it impossible for a bidirectional dialog to take place between the sensor and monitoring controller.

Bidirectional communication between a sensor device and a monitoring controller enables a sensor device to verify that event information has been delivered to the monitoring controller (e.g., through an acknowledgement message from the controller). Further, the monitoring controller can provide messages to one or more sensor devices allowing for control of a sensor device output (e.g., lighting of an LED during an alarm state or triggering a siren) or providing configuration information. Bidirectional communication between a monitoring controller and a sensor device can also permit pushing of firmware updates. It is therefore desirable to enable two-way communication between a monitoring controller and sensor devices coupled to that monitoring controller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a security system architecture that includes bidirectional communication between a sensor control device and one or more sensor devices coupled to the controller. Embodiments of the present invention provide such functionality by virtue of a bidirectional wireless transceiver and processor in each sensor device. Embodiments of the present invention further provide this functionality by virtue of a coordinating transceiver coupled to the security system controller for communication with the sensor devices.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a sensor control device that is configured to transmit a data packet on a wireless network to a sensor device. The sensor device includes a transceiver configured to receive the data packet, a processor configured to process the data packet and further configured to perform an action in response to information in the data packet, and a sensor connected to the processor.

One aspect of the present invention provides for an output device coupled to the sensor device processor, and the processor configured to cause the output device to perform an output operation in response to the information in the data packet. Another aspect of the present invention provides for a memory coupled to the sensor device processor, where the memory stores firmware instructions executed by the sensor device processor. In response to receiving the data packet, the sensor device processor stores second firmware instructions in the memory. Those second firmware instructions can be stored in the memory, for example, by erasing or overwriting the first firmware instructions.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for the sensor device transmitting a second data packet on the wireless network in response to receiving the first data packet. This second data packet can be an acknowledgement packet. The sensor control device can receive the second data packet and process the second data packet. In response to receiving the second data packet, the sensor control device can generate and transmit a third data packet.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the sensor device is configured to receive an event signal from a sensor, generate a second data packet in response to that event signal, and transmit a second data packet on the wireless network using the second transceiver. The sensor control device is further configured to receive the second data packet and to process the second data packet, and to generate and transmit a third data packet in response to the second data packet.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the present invention, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent in the non-limiting detailed description set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerous objects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an architecture including a set of logical domains and functional entities within which embodiments of the present invention interact.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a hardware architecture of an SMA controller, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a logical stacking of an SMA controller's firmware architecture, usable with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example user interface for an SMA controller 120, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating steps performed in a configuration process of an SMA controller, in accord with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating steps performed in configuring security sensor devices, in accord with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a display that can be provided by embodiments of the present invention to permit editing of sensor device information.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one example of a security sensor network configuration usable in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example of a sensor device configured in accord with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a sequence of events involved in communication of a sensor event to a security controller and a response thereto, in accord with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating an example of security controller communication to a sensor device, in accord with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of a computer system suitable for implementing aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram depicting a network architecture suitable for implementing aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a security system architecture that includes two-way communication between a security system controller and one or more sensor devices coupled to the controller. Embodiments of the present invention provide such functionality by virtue of a bidirectional wireless transceiver and processor in each sensor device. Embodiments of the present invention further provide this functionality by virtue of a coordinating transceiver coupled to the security system controller for communication with the sensor devices.

Architectural Overview

Embodiments of the present invention provide a security controller that enables two-way communication with sensor devices. One example of such a controller is a configurable security, monitoring and automation (SMA) controller that provides not only for communicating with and interpreting signals from sensor and other devices within a dwelling, but also for accessing and monitoring those sensor and other devices from locations remote to the dwelling. Embodiments of the SMA controller provide such capability through linkages to external servers via access networks such as the Internet, provider network, or a cellular network. The external servers provide a portal environment through which a user can, for example, monitor the state of sensors coupled to the SMA controller in real-time, configure the controller, and provide controlling information to the SMA controller. The servers can further automatically provide information to a user via remote devices such as mobile phones, computers, and pagers. The servers further provide a connection to a traditional security central station, which can then contact authorities in the event of an alarm condition being detected by the SMA controller in the dwelling.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an architecture including a set of logical domains and functional entities within which embodiments of the present invention interact. A home domain 110 includes an embodiment of the SMA controller 120. The home domain is coupled via an access domain 150 to an operator domain 160 that includes various servers. The servers are in turn coupled to a central station 190 and to various remote user communication options.

The home domain refers to a collection of security, monitoring and automation entities within a dwelling or other location having SMA devices. SMA controller 120 is a device that provides an end-user SMA interface to the various SMA entities (e.g., radio-frequency sensor devices) within home domain 110. SMA controller 120 further acts as a gateway interface between home domain 110 and operator domain 160. SMA controller 120 provides such gateway access to operator domain 160 via a network router 125. Network router 125 can be coupled to SMA controller 120 and to home network devices such as home computer 127 via either hard wired or wireless connections. A network router 125 coupled to a broadband modem (e.g., a cable modem or DSL modem) serves as one link to networks in access domain 150.

SMA devices within home domain 110 can include a variety of RF or wireless sensor devices 130 whose signals are received and interpreted by SMA controller 120. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the SMA controller can also transmit signals to one or more of the RF sensor devices to effect, for example, state changes, signal acknowledgements and firmware upgrades. RF sensor devices 130 can include, for example, door or window sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, glass break detectors, inertial detectors, water detectors, carbon dioxide detectors, and key fob devices. SMA controller 120 can be configured to react to a change in state of any of these detectors. In addition to acting and reacting to changes in state of RF sensor devices 130, SMA controller 120 also can be coupled to a legacy security system 135. SMA controller 120 controls the legacy security system by interpreting signals from sensors coupled to the legacy security system and reacting in a user-configured manner. SMA controller 120, for example, will provide alarm or sensor state information from legacy security system 135 to servers in operator domain 160 that may ultimately inform central station 190 to take appropriate action.

SMA controller 120 can also be coupled to one or more monitoring devices 140. Monitoring devices 140 can include, for example, still and video cameras that provide images that are viewable on a screen of SMA controller 120 or a remotely connected device. Monitoring devices 140 can be coupled to SMA controller 120 either wirelessly (e.g., WiFi via router 125) or other connections.

Home automation devices 145 can also be coupled to and controlled by SMA controller 120. SMA controller 120 can be configured to interact with a variety of home automation protocols, such as, for example, Z-Wave and ZigBee.

Embodiments of SMA controller 120 can be configured to communicate with a variety of RF or wireless sensor devices and are not limited to the sensor devices, monitoring devices and home automation devices discussed above. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to or by the above-discussed devices and sensors, and can be applied to other areas and devices.

Embodiments of SMA controller 120 can be used to configure and control home security devices (e.g., 130 and 135), monitoring devices 140 and automation devices 145, either directly or by providing a gateway to remote control via servers in operator domain 160. SMA controller 120 communicates with servers residing in operator domain 160 via networks in access domain 150. Broadband communication can be provided by coupling SMA controller 120 with a network router 125, which in turn is coupled to a wide area network 152, such as a provider network or the Internet, via an appropriate broadband modem. The router can be coupled to the wide area network through cable broadband, DSL, and the like. Wide area network 152, in turn, is coupled to servers in operator domain 160 via an appropriate series of routers and firewalls (not shown). SMA controller 120 can include additional mechanisms to provide a communication with the operator domain. For example, SMA controller 120 can be configured with a cellular network transceiver that permits communication with a cellular network 154. In turn, cellular network 154 can provide access via routers and firewalls to servers in operator domain 160. Embodiments of SMA controller 120 are not limited to providing gateway functionality via cellular and dwelling-based routers and modems. For example, SMA gateway 120 can be configured with other network protocol controllers such as WiMAX satellite-based broadband, direct telephone coupling, and the like.

Operator domain 160 refers to a logical collection of SMA servers and other operator systems in an operator's network that provide end-user interfaces, such as portals accessible to subscribers of the SMA service, that can configure, manage and control SMA elements within home domain 110. Servers in operator domain 160 can be maintained by a provider (operator) of subscriber-based services for SMA operations. Examples of providers include cable providers, telecommunications providers, and the like. A production server architecture in operator domain 160 can support SMA systems in millions of home domains 110.

Individual server architectures can be of a variety of types, and in one embodiment, the server architecture is a tiered Java2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) service oriented architecture. Such a tiered service oriented architecture can include an interface tier, a service tier, and a data access logic tier. The interface tier can provide entry points from outside the server processes, including, for example, browser web applications, mobile web applications, web services, HTML, XHTML, SOAP, and the like. A service tier can provide a variety of selectable functionality passed along by the operator to the end user. Service tiers can relate to end user subscription levels offered by the operator (e.g., payment tiers corresponding to “gold” level service, “silver” level service and “bronze” level service). Finally the data access logic tier provides access to various sources of data including database servers.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example set of servers that can be provided in operator domain 160. Servers 165 can support all non-alarm and alarm events, heartbeat, and command traffic between the various servers and SMA controllers 120. Servers 165 can also manage end-user electronic mail and SMS notification, as well as integration with provider billing, provisioning, inventory, tech support systems, and the like.

A portal server 170 can provide various user interface applications, including, for example, a subscriber portal, a mobile portal, and a management portal. A subscriber portal is an end-user accessible application that permits an end-user to access a corresponding SMA controller remotely via standard web-based applications. Using such a subscriber portal provides access to the same SMA functions that an interface directly coupled to the SMA controller would provide, plus additional functions such as alert and contact management, historical data, widget and camera management, account management, and the like. A mobile portal can provide all or part of the access available to an end-user via the subscriber portal. A mobile portal can be limited, however, to capabilities of an accessing mobile device (e.g., touch screen or non-touch screen cellular phones). A management portal provides an operator representative access to support and manage SMA controllers in home domains 110 and corresponding user accounts via a web-based application. The management portal can provide tiers of management support so that levels of access to user information can be restricted based on authorization of a particular employee.

Telephony server 180 can process and send information related to alarm events received from SMA controllers 120 to alarm receivers at central monitoring station 190. A server 165 that processes the alarm event makes a request to telephony server 180 to dial the central station's receiver and send corresponding contact information. Telephony server 180 can communicate with a plurality of central stations 190. Server 165 can determine a correct central station to contact based upon user account settings associated with the transmitting SMA controller.

A backup server 175 can be provided to guarantee that an alarm path is available in an event that one or more servers 165 become unavailable or inaccessible. A backup server 175 can be co-located to the physical location of servers 165 to address scenarios in which one or more of the servers fail. Alternatively, a backup server 175 can be placed in a location remote from servers 165 in order to address situations in which a network failure or a power failure causes one or more of servers 165 to become unavailable. SMA controllers 120 can be configured to transmit alarm events to a backup server 175 if the SMA controller cannot successfully send such events to servers 165.

A database server 185 provides storage of all configuration and user information accessible to other servers within operator domain 160. Selection of a type of database provided by database server 185 can be dependent upon a variety of criteria, including, for example, scalability and availability of data. One embodiment of the present invention uses database services provided by an ORACLE database.

A server 165 in operator domain 160 provides a variety of functionality. Logically, a server 165 can be divided into the following functional modules: a broadband communication module, a cellular communication module, a notification module, a telephony communication module, and an integration module.

The broadband communication module manages broadband connections and message traffic from a plurality of SMA controllers 110 coupled to server 165. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the broadband channel to be a primary communication channel between an SMA controller 120 and servers 165. The broadband communication module handles a variety of communication, including, for example, all non-alarm and alarm events, broadband heartbeat, and command traffic between server 165 and SMA controller 120 over the broadband channel.

The cellular communication module manages cellular connections and message traffic from SMA controllers 120 to a server 165. Embodiments of the present invention use the cellular channel as a backup communication channel to the broadband channel. Thus, if a broadband channel becomes unavailable, communication between an SMA controller and a server switches to the cellular channel. At this time, the cellular communication module on the server handles all non-alarm and alarm events, and command traffic from an SMA controller. When a broadband channel is active, heartbeat messages can be sent periodically on the cellular channel in order to monitor the cellular channel.

A notification module of server 165 determines if and how a user should be notified of events generated by their corresponding SMA controller 120. A user can specify who to notify of particular events or event types and how to notify the user (e.g., telephone call, electronic mail, text message, page, and the like), and this information is stored by a database server 185. When events such as alarm or non-alarm events are received by a server 165, those events can be past asynchronously to the notification module, which determines if, who and how to send those notifications based upon the user's configuration.

The telephony communication module provides communication between a server 165 and telephony server 180. When a server 165 receives and performs initial processing of alarm events, the telephony communication module forwards those events to a telephony server 180 which in turn communicates with a central station 190, as discussed above.

The integration module provides infrastructure and interfaces to integrate a server 165 with operator business systems, such as, for example, billing, provisioning, inventory, tech support, and the like. An integration module can provide a web services interface for upstream integration that operator business systems can call to perform operations like creating and updating accounts and querying information stored in a database served by database server 185. An integration module can also provide an event-driven framework for downstream integration to inform operator business systems of events within the SMA system.

SMA Controller Architecture

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a hardware architecture of an SMA controller, according to one embodiment of the present invention. A processor 210 is coupled to a plurality of communications transceivers, interface modules, memory modules, and user interface modules. Processor 210, executing firmware discussed below, performs various tasks related to interpretation of alarm and non-alarm signals received by SMA controller 120, interpreting reactions to those signals in light of configuration information either received from a server (e.g., server 165) or entered into an interface provided by SMA controller 120 (e.g., a touch screen 220). Embodiments of the present invention can use a variety of processors, for example, an ARM core processor such as a FREESCALE i.MX35 multimedia applications processor.

SMA controller 120 can provide for user input and display via a touch screen 220 coupled to processor 210. Processor 210 can also provide audio feedback to a user via use of an audio processor 225. Audio processor 225 can, in turn, be coupled to a speaker that provides sound in home domain 110. SMA controller 120 can be configured to provide a variety of sounds for different events detected by sensors associated with the SMA controller. Such sounds can be configured by a user so as to distinguish between alarm and non-alarm events.

As discussed above, an SMA controller 120 can communicate with a server 165 using different network access means. Processor 210 can provide broadband access to a router (e.g., router 125) via an Ethernet broadband connection PHY 130 or via a WiFi transceiver 235. The router can then be coupled to or be incorporated within an appropriate broadband modem. Cellular network connectivity can be provided by a cellular transceiver 240 that is coupled to processor 210. SMA controller 120 can be configured with a set of rules that govern when processor 210 will switch between a broadband connection and a cellular connection to operator domain 160.

In order to communicate with the various sensor and other devices within home domain 110, processor 210 can be coupled to one or more transceiver modules via, for example, a serial peripheral interface such as a SPI bus 250. Such transceiver modules permit communication with sensor devices of a variety of protocols in a configurable manner. Embodiments of the present invention can use a transceiver that communicates using a low-rate wireless personal area network protocol (e.g., ZigBee), for example, to communicate with RF sensor devices 130 and home automation devices 145. The transceiver can be coupled to processor 210 via SPI 250 or alternatively can be directly coupled to processor 210. If SMA controller 120 is coupled to a legacy security system 135, then a module permitting coupling to the legacy security system can be coupled to processor 210 via SPI 250. Other protocols can be provided for via such plug-in modules including, for example, digital enhanced cordless telecommunication devices (DECT). In this manner, an SMA controller 120 can be configured to provide for control of a variety of devices and protocols known both today and in the future. In addition, processor 210 can be coupled to other types of devices (e.g., transceivers or computers) via a universal serial bus (USB) interface 255.

In order to locally store configuration information for SMA controller 120, a memory 260 is coupled to processor 210. Additional memory can be coupled to processor 210 via, for example, a secure digital interface 265. A power supply 270 is also coupled to processor 210 and to other devices within SMA controller 120 via, for example, a power management controller module.

SMA controller 120 is configured to be a customer premises equipment device that works in conjunction with server counterparts in operator domain 160 in order to perform functions required for security monitoring and automation. Embodiments of SMA controller 120 provide a touch screen interface (e.g., 220) into all the SMA features. Via the various modules coupled to processor 210, the SMA controller bridges the sensor network, the control network, and security panel network to broadband and cellular networks. SMA controller 120 further uses the protocols discussed above to carry the alarm and activity events to servers in the operator domain for processing. These connections also carry configuration information, provisioning commands, management and reporting information, security authentication, and any real-time media such as video or audio.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a logical stacking of an SMA controller's firmware architecture, usable with embodiments of the present invention. Since SMA controller 120 provides security functionality for home domain 110, the SMA controller should be a highly available system. High availability suggests that the SMA controller be ready to serve an end-user at all times, both when a user is interacting with the SMA controller through a user interface and when alarms and other non-critical system events occur, regardless of whether a system component has failed. In order to provide such high availability, SMA controller 120 runs a micro-kernel operating system 310. An example of a micro-kernel operating system usable by embodiments of the present invention is a QNX real-time operating system. Under such a micro-kernel operating system, drivers, applications, protocol stacks and file systems run outside the operating system kernel in memory-protected user space. Such a micro-kernel operating system can provide fault resilience through features such as critical process monitoring and adaptive partitioning. As a result, components can fail, including low-level drivers, and automatically restart without affecting other components or the kernel and without requiring a reboot of the system. A critical process monitoring feature can automatically restart failed components because those components function in the user space. An adaptive partitioning feature of the micro kernel operating system provides guarantees of CPU resources for designated components, thereby preventing a component from consuming all CPU resources to the detriment of other system components.

A core layer 320 of the firmware architecture provides service/event library and client API library components. A client API library can register managers and drivers to handle events and to tell other managers or drivers to perform some action. The service/event library maintains lists of listeners for events that each manager or driver detects and distributes according to one of the lists.

Driver layer 330 interacts with hardware peripherals of SMA controller 120. For example, drivers can be provided for touch screen 220, broadband connection 230, WiFi transceiver 235, cellular transceiver 240, USB interface 255, SD interface 265, audio processor 225, and the various modules coupled to processor 210 via SPI interface 250. Manager layer 340 provides business and control logic used by the other layers. Managers can be provided for alarm activities, security protocols, keypad functionality, communications functionality, audio functionality, and the like.

Keypad user interface layer 350 drives the touch screen user interface of SMA controller 120. An example of the touch screen user interface consists of a header and a footer, widget icons and underlying widget user interfaces. Keypad user interface layer 350 drives these user interface elements by providing, for example, management of what the system Arm/Disarm interface button says and battery charge information, widget icon placement in the user face area between the header and footer, and interacting with widget engine layer 360 to display underlying widget user interface when a widget icon is selected.

In embodiments of the present invention, typical SMA controller functions are represented in the touch screen user interface as widgets (or active icons). Widgets provide access to the various security monitoring and automation control functions of SMA controller 120 as well as providing support for multi-media functionality through widgets that provide, for example, news, sports, weather and digital picture frame functionality. A main user interface screen can provide a set of icons, each of which represents a widget. Selection of a widget icon can then launch the widget. Widget engine layer 360 includes, for example, widget engines for native, HTML and FLASH-based widgets. Widget engines are responsible for displaying particular widgets on the screen. For example, if a widget is developed in HTML, selection of such a widget will cause the HTML widget engine to display the selected widget or touch screen 220. Information related to the various widgets is provided in widget layer 370.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example user interface for an SMA controller 120, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated user interface provides a set of widget icons 410 that provide access to functionality of SMA controller 120. As illustrated, widgets are provided to access security functionality, camera images, thermostat control, lighting control, and other settings of the SMA controller. Additional widgets are provided to access network-based information such as weather, news, traffic, and digital picture frame functionality. A header 420 provides access to an Arm/Disarm button 425 that allows for arming the security system or disarming it. Additional information can be provided in the header, such as, for example, network status messages. A footer 430 can provide additional status information such as time and date, as displayed.

A user can select widgets corresponding to desired functionality. Embodiments of the present invention provide for access to widgets via portal server 170. A provider of operator domain 160 can determine functionality accessible to users, either for all users or based upon tiers of users (e.g., subscription levels associated with payment levels). A user can then select from the set of accessible widgets and the selected widgets will be distributed and displayed on the user interface of SMA controller 120. Configurability of SMA controller 120 is also driven by user determined actions and reactions to sensor stimulus.

SMA Controller Configurability

In accord with embodiments of the present invention, SMA controller 120 can be configured by a user in order to provide desired functionality in home domain 110. In addition to the hardware configurable options discussed above (e.g., modules coupled to SPI interface 250), SMA controller 120 provides for additional configuration through the use of software and/or firmware. For example, SMA controller 120 can be configured to receive signals from a variety of security sensor devices (e.g., RF sensor devices 130) and to associate those sensor devices with the physical environment of home domain 110. In addition, SMA controller 120 can be configured to receive still and video information from one or more cameras, provide a variety of programs and utilities to a user, and is configurable to communicate with a variety of home automation devices.

FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating steps performed in a configuration process of an SMA controller, in accord with embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of an SMA controller will typically be configured with security sensor information, either from RF sensor devices 130 or from a legacy security system 135. Therefore, an SMA controller will be configured to access and interpret information related to those security sensor devices (510).

A determination can then be made as to whether or not a user is including security cameras in home domain 110 (520). If cameras are included in the home domain, then a series of steps related to camera configuration is performed (530). Similarly, a determination can be made as to whether or not home automation devices are to be controlled by the SMA controller (540). If so, then a series of steps can be performed to configure the SMA controller to access those home automation devices (550). A user can then perform steps necessary to configuring widgets accessible via the SMA controller (560).

SMA controller 120 can be configured to receive and interpret signals from a variety of security sensor devices. Such sensor devices can include, for example, door/window sensor devices that can detect opening and closing of a door or window, motion detectors that can detect movement in an area of interest, smoke detectors, glass break detectors, inertia detectors, and key fobs. In order to usefully interpret signals from such detectors, embodiments of SMA controller 120 can search for signals from such sensors and be configured with information related to the location and tasks of those sensors.

FIG. 6 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating steps performed in configuring security sensor devices (e.g., 510), in accord with embodiments of the present invention. A user of a security system incorporating SMA controller 120 (e.g., an owner or resident of home domain 110) can decide, based upon the needs within the home domain, the types and number of security sensor devices needed to secure the home domain. SMA controller 120, via a touch screen input device, for example, can be told how many such sensor devices to search for (610). The SMA controller can then search for all activated sensor devices providing a linking message to the SMA controller (620). Such a linking message can provide sensor information including, for example, a unique identification number for the sensor device and sensor type information. A touch screen interface for SMA controller 120 can then provide to the user a display indicating information related to all sensor devices found during the search (630).

Once presented with information related to all the located sensor devices, a user can then edit that information to provide specifics as to physical, or zone, location of the sensor device within the home domain and other characteristics related to the zone of the sensor (640). For example, a touch screen display 220 coupled to SMA controller 120 can provide a list of all located sensor devices from which the user can select a specific sensor device to define or edit information related to that sensor device. The information related to the sensor devices and zones is then stored in a local memory of the SMA controller 120 (e.g., memory 260) (650). The SMA controller can also transmit the sensor zone information to be stored in a server in operator domain 160 via an available broadband connection (660).

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a display that can be provided by embodiments of the present invention to permit editing of sensor device information (e.g., sensor zone information). As illustrated, the display can provide information such as the unique identifier of the sensor (serial number 710) and the sensor type (sensor type 720). As indicated above, unique identifier and sensor type information is provided by the sensor during the search and location process. Through a display such as that illustrated in FIG. 7, a user can define additional zone characteristics related to the sensor. For example, a user can define or select a zone name 730 to associate with the sensor device. Such a zone name can be entered by a user through the use of a touch screen-based keyboard or selected from a list of common names displayed on the touch screen.

A zone function 740 can also be provided to be associated with the sensor device. A zone function determines behavior of the zone and is dependent on the zone type. For example, a door/window sensor can function as an entry/exit zone or as a perimeter zone. Each zone type can have one or more configurable zone functions. For example, a motion detector can have a zone function of interior follower, a smoke/heat detector can have a zone function of 24-hour fire monitoring, a glass break detector can have a zone function of a perimeter zone, and an inertia detector can have an entry/exit zone function or a perimeter zone function.

Selection of a zone function definition alters how the security system acts and reacts to signals received from a sensor in that zone. The following table illustrates examples of zone functions and their associated action/reaction definitions.

TABLE 1 Zone Function Definition Entry/Exit Allow exiting the home domain when the system is arming and will begin an entry delay when opened if the system is armed. Zone can be bypassed and can have specific tones assigned for open and close events. Perimeter Generate an alarm immediately if tripped while the system is armed. Can be bypassed and can have specific tones assigned for open and close events. Interior Follower Protect the internal spaces of the home domain and trigger an immediate alarm if the system is armed in away mode. Zone is not armed when the system is in armed stay mode. Can be bypassed and can have specific activity/non activity tones assigned. 24-Hour Fire Generate an immediate fire alarm if triggered. Zone cannot be bypassed. 24-Hour Monitor Generate notifications in the home and will beep the keypad but will not sound the full alarm. Can be bypassed. 24-Hour Environmental Generates notifications, beeps keypads, and sounds the siren to let people within the home domain know to evacuate the premises. Cannot be bypassed. 24-Hour Inform Will never generate an alarm, even if the system is armed. Upon triggering of the sensor will make the configured sound and send events to the operator domain. Can be bypassed.

By defining such zones, a user can control how the security functions of SMA controller 120 react to various sensor triggers.

A user can also configure a display icon 750 associated with the sensor zone. In many cases, the available icons will be limited to one type of icon that graphically relates to the sensor type. But, for example, with a door/window sensor, icons can be made available that illustrate a door or a window as appropriate. FIG. 7 further illustrates a signal strength button 760 that, when selected, can illustrate strength of the signal between the wireless hub located within SMA controller 120 and the associated sensor.

The sensor zone information entered through the use of a display such as that illustrated in FIG. 7 can be stored in local data tables that are stored in memory 260 of SMA controller 120 (650). In addition, sensor zone information can also be transmitted via access domain 150 to servers in operator domain 160 for storage (e.g., database server 185) (660). By storing the sensor zone information in servers in the operator domain, the information is available to a user accessing a portal server 170. A user could then edit the sensor zone information through use of the portal rather than the SMA controller interface. Further, sensor zone information stored on database server 185 is retained even if an SMA controller suffers from an event that makes the SMA controller unusable. In such an event, a new SMA controller can be installed in home domain 110 and the information stored in operator domain 160 can be provided to the new SMA controller. This eliminates a need to manually reconfigure the new SMA controller with all sensor information.

Bidirectional Sensor Communication

Traditional security systems allow only for one-way communication between sensor devices and a sensor monitoring controller. In such a system, the controller can only react to received signals and cannot either provide feedback to the transmitting sensor device or communicate with that sensor device or other sensor devices to perform follow up operations. Embodiments of the present invention allow for more sophisticated interaction between a security controller and sensor devices by providing two-way communication.

Through the use of two-way communication between a controller and sensor devices, the controller can confirm receipt of an event signal through the use of, for example, an acknowledgement packet. In such a system, should a sensor device not receive an acknowledgement packet, the sensor can transmit one or more subsequent event packets until an acknowledgement is received. Alternatively, a sensor device can operate in a secondary mode should an acknowledgement packet not be received (e.g., take steps to alternatively sound a siren coupled to the sensor device). Two-way communication also allows for control of sensor state by the controller. For example, a security controller can send a message to a sensor to turn on an LED light, or sound a siren, or trigger emergency lighting. In some instances, two-way communication can also permit firmware updates to be pushed to sensors by the security controller.

Security sensor devices used in conjunction with residential security systems are typically small, battery-powered devices. Messages communicated from a sensor device to a security controller typically are small packets conveying identification and event information. These characteristics constrain communication solutions to satisfying low power, low data rates, and low data complexity in transmission. These constraints are well suited to a low rate-wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) in which the security controller can be a coordinating node and the sensor devices can communicate just with the security controller or also with each other (e.g., a network conforming to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard).

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one example of a security sensor network configuration usable with embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 8 a security controller 810 (e.g., in one embodiment an SMA controller 120) functions as a coordinating node for the sensor network. As a coordinating node, the security controller can initiate configuration of the network by, for example, naming the network, defining the packet structure for communications within the network (e.g., whether or not to use a superframe under IEEE 802.15.4) and avoiding conflicts with any other personal area networks detected. As the network controller, the security controller can also transmit, receive, terminate, and route communications around the configured network. By its nature, security controller 810 can communicate with every security device in the network.

The network illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a set of window sensors 820 and door sensors 830 that communicate with security controller 810 in a star configuration, in which the security controller is the hub of the star. In a star network, the sensors can engage in bidirectional communication with the security controller, but cannot communicate with one another. This type of communication is similar to that performed by reduced function devices.

The network diagram in FIG. 8 also illustrates sensors 840 and 850, which communicate not only with security controller 810 but also with one another. This type of peer-to-peer communication is similar to that performed by fully functional devices having a higher degree of sophistication than the reduced function devices. One example of sensor devices that can incorporate this type of communication is a smoke or fire sensor (e.g., 840) that can directly trigger a RF connected siren (e.g., 850) upon detecting smoke or fire in the premises. Another example of devices that can benefit from such direct communication is an infrared motion sensor (e.g., 840) activating another monitoring device (e.g., a camera at 850) upon detecting motion in a particular area.

FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example of a sensor device configured in accord with embodiments of the present invention. Sensor device 900 includes a transceiver 910. Transceiver 910 is configured to transmit and receive data on an appropriate frequency band (e.g., 902-928 MHz or 2400-2483.5 MHz) using an appropriate channel, as configured by the network coordinating node. Transceiver 910 is coupled to processor 920, which controls the operations of sensor device 900. The combination of processor 920 and transceiver 910 provide a communication stack that includes both physical layer and medium access control layer functionality. Processor 920 is configured to interpret signals from sensor 930 to which the processor is coupled, assemble the data frame to be transmitted from transmitter 910, and control any output device 940 coupled to processor 920.

Processor 920 is generally specifically configured to perform with the type of sensor operations expected of sensor 900. For example, a door/window sensor can have a different processor than a smoke detector or an infrared motion sensor. Alternatively, a more generally applicable processor can be configured in different ways for different applications. In addition, functionality of processor 920 and sensor 930 may be combined in a single component. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particular configuration or separation of functional responsibilities between modules in a sensor 900.

Sensor 930 is configured to provide event information to processor 920. Sensor 930 will take different forms depending upon the functional expectation for sensor device 900. For example, a door/window sensor device may be triggered by a change in the presence of a magnetic field. Alternatively, an impact sensor may be a read triggered by vibration, or a motion sensor may be triggered by detection of a heat source.

Similarly, output device 940 will conform to a desired function for output in sensor device 900. For example, output device 940 can be a simple LED indicator showing that the sensor device has been triggered. Alternatively, output device 940 can be a light source to provide emergency lighting in the case of detection of smoke by a smoke sensor device. Output device 940 can also provide an audible signal, such as a siren. The triggering of the output device can be performed by the processor effecting a state change to circuitry controlling the output device. That state change can be triggered either directly by an event from sensor 930 or by a controlling signal received by transceiver 910. Another alternative output device can be a home automation device (e.g., 145), which typically does not have a sensor, but will control connected devices (e.g., lights, air conditioning/heating, and the like).

FIG. 10 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a sequence of events involved in communication of a sensor event to a sensor controller and a response thereto, in accord with embodiments of the present invention. The sensor in the sensor device is monitored for a state change indicating a triggering event (1005). If a sensor state change is detected by a sensor device (1010), a data frame is assembled that includes sensor state change information and any identification information necessary (1020).

The sensor device can then determine if the network is available for transmission of the data frame (1030). Such a determination can be performed by using the sensor device transceiver to listen on the network for an idle channel. If the channel is idle, then the data frame can be transmitted. Otherwise, if the channel is not idle then the sensor device can wait a period of time and check the network again to determine if an idle channel is present and available for transmission of the data frame. It should be understood that there are numerous methods for determining channel availability on networks such as a low rate-wireless personal area network, including beacon enabled and non-beacon enabled protocols. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particular method for determining network availability beyond the constraints discussed above with regard to limited power and data rate resources. As discussed above, once an available channel in the network is detected, the data frame can be transmitted (1040).

Upon receipt of the transmitted data frame, the sensor controller can send an acknowledgement packet back to the transmitting sensor device. This acknowledgement packet can be received by the sensor device (1050). In some embodiments of the present invention, a sensor device can be configured to repeat transmission of a sensor event data frame after a period of time if the acknowledgement is not received from the security controller. In this manner, transmission of sensor events can be assured. In some embodiments of the present invention, a sensor device can be programmed to take alternative action should an acknowledgement packet not be received from the sensor controller. For example, a siren output device coupled to a sensor can be triggered in the absence of receipt of an acknowledgement packet. Another type of response can be transmission of a packet to another device if the transmitting sensor device is capable of such transmission (e.g., a fully functioning device as in devices 840 and 850).

In addition to providing an acknowledgement to a sensor device, a sensor controller can also embed a data message in the acknowledgement packet. The data message can be, for example, either a command for the sensor device to take action or an instruction to expect additional information from the security controller. Subsequently, a sensor device can receive an additional data frame from the sensor controller (1060). If a data frame is received (1070), the sensor device can transmit an acknowledgement packet to the controller (1080). The controller data frame can then be processed by the sensor device processor (1090). In response to information from the controller data frame, the sensor device processor can take appropriate action (e.g., activating the sensor device output 940 or reset the sensor 930 to determine if the sensor event is still present).

FIG. 11 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating an example of sensor controller communication to a sensor device, in accord with embodiments of the present invention. As discussed above, the sensor controller can send different types of packets to sensors in the security network. The result of receipt of these packets by the sensor devices can affect, for example, a state change to trigger a sensor device output and can provide more sophisticated information such as firmware updates. The sensor controller assembles a data frame appropriate for the particular action desired to be performed by the sensor device (1110). The sensor controller can then transmit a data ready indicator to the target sensor device, if the target sensor device is constantly listening for a transmission from the sensor controller (1120). Alternatively, some sensor devices will not constantly listen for a transmission from the sensor controller, instead these sensor devices conserve power by staying in a low power state waiting for a sensor event. Such devices may only receive data frame transmissions from a sensor controller subsequent to sending a message of their own to the sensor controller. As discussed above, a sensor controller can send an acknowledgement packet with an embedded message indicating that the sensor device should prepare to receive additional data frames from the sensor controller. Typically, a battery powered sensor device will not be configured to constantly listen for a transmission from a sensor controller, while a sensor device connected to building power will be configured to constantly listen.

When the target sensor device is ready to receive data, the target sensor device can then transmit a request for data to the security controller, which is then received by the security controller (1130). In response to receiving the request for data, the security controller can acknowledge the request and transmit the assembled data frame to the target sensor device (1140). Once the data frame is received by the target sensor device, the target sensor device transmits an acknowledgement which is received by the security controller (1150). As with the transmission from the sensor device, the security controller determines prior to transmission of a data frame whether the network has an idle channel slot available to transmit the data frame. The detection method used is dependent upon the chosen protocols for the security network, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particular protocol.

Provision of two-way communication enabled by embodiments of the present invention allows for a more sophisticated interaction between sensor devices and the security controller than is permitted by one-way communication. Examples of such two-way communication have been provided above. As a further example of sophisticated interaction between a remote sensor device and the security controller is in a so-called “smash and grab” scenario. A security network can be configured with not only door/window sensors but also an external siren. If a door/window sensor detects an event, then that event information is transmitted to the security controller. The security controller can then provide an initial signal to the external siren, which triggers an entry delay timer in the external siren. If the external siren fails to receive a message from the security controller by the timer expiration time, the external siren will be sounded.

Another example of functionality provided by a two-way communication environment involves the use of a key fob remote device. The security controller can be configured to arm in response to a key fob trigger. The security controller can then transmit a message back to the key fob confirming arming of the system. This message can change a state of an LED output in the key fob, thereby providing a user of the key fob with confirmation that the system became armed. A key fob and security controller can also be configured to provide status information in response to a request from the key fob. For example, an LED can flash a sequence indicating the alarm panel status or a more sophisticated output can be provided on the key fob, if desired.

Examples of embodiments of the present invention have been provided using particular configurations illustrated in Figures and terminology associated with certain communications protocols. It should be recognized that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particular network configuration or a specific network communication protocol.

An Example Computing and Network Environment

As shown above, the present invention can be implemented using a variety of computer systems and networks. An example of one such computing and network environment is described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of a computer system 1210 suitable for implementing aspects of the present invention (e.g., servers 165, portal server 170, backup server 175, telephony server 180, and database server 185). Computer system 1210 includes a bus 1212 which interconnects major subsystems of computer system 1210, such as a central processor 1214, a system memory 1217 (typically RAM, but which may also include ROM, flash RAM, or the like), an input/output controller 1218, an external audio device, such as a speaker system 1220 via an audio output interface 1222, an external device, such as a display screen 1224 via display adapter 1226, serial ports 1228 and 1230, a keyboard 1232 (interfaced with a keyboard controller 1233), a storage interface 1234, a floppy disk drive 1237 operative to receive a floppy disk 1238, a host bus adapter (HBA) interface card 1235A operative to connect with a Fibre Channel network 1290, a host bus adapter (HBA) interface card 1235B operative to connect to a SCSI bus 1239, and an optical disk drive 1240 operative to receive an optical disk 1242. Also included are a mouse 1246 (or other point-and-click device, coupled to bus 1212 via serial port 1228), a modem 1247 (coupled to bus 1212 via serial port 1230), and a network interface 1248 (coupled directly to bus 1212).

Bus 1212 allows data communication between central processor 1214 and system memory 1217, which may include read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory (neither shown), and random access memory (RAM) (not shown), as previously noted. The RAM is generally the main memory into which the operating system and application programs are loaded. The ROM or flash memory can contain, among other code, the Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which controls basic hardware operation such as the interaction with peripheral components. Applications resident with computer system 1210 are generally stored on and accessed via a computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk drive (e.g., fixed disk 1244), an optical drive (e.g., optical drive 1240), a floppy disk unit 1237, or other storage medium. Additionally, applications can be in the form of electronic signals modulated in accordance with the application and data communication technology when accessed via network modem 1247 or interface 1248.

Storage interface 1234, as with the other storage interfaces of computer system 1210, can connect to a standard computer-readable medium for storage and/or retrieval of information, such as a fixed disk drive 1244. Fixed disk drive 1244 may be a part of computer system 1210 or may be separate and accessed through other interface systems. Modem 1247 may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a telephone link or to the Internet via an internet service provider (ISP). Network interface 1248 may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct network link to the Internet via a POP (point of presence). Network interface 1248 may provide such connection using wireless techniques, including digital cellular telephone connection, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digital satellite data connection or the like.

Many other devices or subsystems (not shown) may be connected in a similar manner (e.g., document scanners, digital cameras and so on). Conversely, all of the devices shown in FIG. 12 need not be present to practice the present invention. The devices and subsystems can be interconnected in different ways from that shown in FIG. 12. The operation of a computer system such as that shown in FIG. 12 is readily known in the art and is not discussed in detail in this application. Code to implement the present invention can be stored in computer-readable storage media such as one or more of system memory 1217, fixed disk 1244, optical disk 1242, or floppy disk 1238. The operating system provided on computer system 1210 may be MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, Linux®, or another known operating system.

Moreover, regarding the signals described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that a signal can be directly transmitted from a first block to a second block, or a signal can be modified (e.g., amplified, attenuated, delayed, latched, buffered, inverted, filtered, or otherwise modified) between the blocks. Although the signals of the above described embodiment are characterized as transmitted from one block to the next, other embodiments of the present invention may include modified signals in place of such directly transmitted signals as long as the informational and/or functional aspect of the signal is transmitted between blocks. To some extent, a signal input at a second block can be conceptualized as a second signal derived from a first signal output from a first block due to physical limitations of the circuitry involved (e.g., there will inevitably be some attenuation and delay). Therefore, as used herein, a second signal derived from a first signal includes the first signal or any modifications to the first signal, whether due to circuit limitations or due to passage through other circuit elements which do not change the informational and/or final functional aspect of the first signal.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram depicting a network architecture 1300 in which client systems 1310, 1320 and 1330, as well as storage servers 1340A and 1340B (any of which can be implemented using computer system 1210), are coupled to a network 1350. Storage server 1340A is further depicted as having storage devices 1360A(1)-(N) directly attached, and storage server 1340B is depicted with storage devices 1360B(1)-(N) directly attached. Storage servers 1340A and 1340B are also connected to a SAN fabric 1370, although connection to a storage area network is not required for operation of the invention. SAN fabric 1370 supports access to storage devices 1380(1)-(N) by storage servers 1340A and 1340B, and so by client systems 1310, 1320 and 1330 via network 1350. Intelligent storage array 1390 is also shown as an example of a specific storage device accessible via SAN fabric 1370.

With reference to computer system 1210, modem 1247, network interface 1248 or some other method can be used to provide connectivity from each of client computer systems 1310, 1320 and 1330 to network 1350. Client systems 1310, 1320 and 1330 are able to access information on storage server 1340A or 1340B using, for example, a web browser or other client software (not shown). Such a client allows client systems 1310, 1320 and 1330 to access data hosted by storage server 1340A or 1340B or one of storage devices 1360A(1)-(N), 1360B(1)-(N), 1380(1)-(N) or intelligent storage array 1390. FIG. 13 depicts the use of a network such as the Internet for exchanging data, but the present invention is not limited to the Internet or any particular network-based environment.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is well adapted to attain the advantages mentioned as well as others inherent therein. While the present invention has been depicted, described, and is defined by reference to particular embodiments of the invention, such references do not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts. The depicted and described embodiments are examples only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention.

The foregoing describes embodiments including components contained within other components (e.g., the various elements shown as components of computer system 1210). Such architectures are merely examples, and, in fact, many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In an abstract but still definite sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the present invention via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples. It will be understood by those within the art that each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation and/or component illustrated by the use of examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, specific electronic components can be employed in an application specific integrated circuit or similar or related circuitry for implementing the functions associated with one or more of the described functional blocks.

The present invention has been described in the context of fully functional computer systems; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer-readable media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media, and media storage and distribution systems developed in the future.

The above-discussed embodiments can be implemented by software modules that perform one or more tasks associated with the embodiments. The software modules discussed herein may include script, batch, or other executable files. The software modules may be stored on a machine-readable or computer-readable storage media such as magnetic floppy disks, hard disks, semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, and flash-type media), optical discs (e.g., CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, and DVDs), or other types of memory modules. A storage device used for storing firmware or hardware modules in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can also include a semiconductor-based memory, which may be permanently, removably or remotely coupled to a microprocessor/memory system. Thus, the modules can be stored within a computer system memory to configure the computer system to perform the functions of the module. Other new and various types of computer-readable storage media may be used to store the modules discussed herein. Non-transitory computer-readable media include all forms of computer-readable media except for a transitory propagating signal.

The above description is intended to be illustrative of the invention and should not be taken to be limiting. Other embodiments within the scope of the present invention are possible. Those skilled in the art will readily implement the steps necessary to provide the structures and the methods disclosed herein, and will understand that the process parameters and sequence of steps are given by way of example only and can be varied to achieve the desired structure as well as modifications that are within the scope of the invention. Variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein can be made based on the description set forth herein, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents in all respects. 

1. A system comprising: a sensor control device comprising a first radio frequency transceiver configured to transmit a data packet on a wireless network; and a security sensor device comprising a second radio frequency transceiver configured to receive the data packet from the wireless network, a processor coupled to the second radio frequency transceiver and configured to process the data packet and perform an action in response to information comprised in the data packet, and a sensor coupled to the processor.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the security sensor device further comprises: an output device coupled to the processor; and the processor further configured to cause the output device to perform an output operation in response to the information comprised in the data packet.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the security sensor device further comprises: a memory coupled to the processor and storing first firmware instructions executable by the processor; and the processor further configured to cause the memory to store second firmware instructions in response to the information comprised in the data packet.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein the processor is further configured to cause the memory to one or more of erase or overwrite the first firmware instructions in response to the information comprised in the data packet.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the second transceiver is further configured to: transmit a second data packet on the wireless network in response to receiving the data packet from the wireless network.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the second data packet is an acknowledgement packet.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein the sensor control device further comprises: the first radio frequency transceiver further configured to receive the second data packet from the wireless network; and a second processor coupled to the first radio frequency transceiver and configured to process the second data packet, generate a third data packet in response to the second data packet, and cause the first radio frequency transceiver to transmit the third data packet.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising: the security sensor device processor further configured to receive an event signal from the sensor, generate a second data packet in response to the event signal, and cause the second radio frequency transceiver to transmit the second data packet on the wireless network; and the sensor control device further comprising the first radio frequency transceiver further configured to receive the second data packet from the wireless network, a second processor coupled to the first radio frequency transceiver and configured to process the second data packet, generate a third data packet in response to the second data packet, and cause the first radio frequency transceiver to transmit the third data packet to the security sensor device.
 9. A method comprising: receiving an event signal from a sensor; processing the event signal; transmitting a first data packet to a sensor control device on a wireless network; receiving a second data packet from the sensor control device on the wireless network; processing the second data packet; and performing an action in response to information comprised in the second data packet.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said processing the event signal further comprises: generating the first data packet, wherein the first data packet comprises data associated with the event signal.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein said performing the action further comprises: causing an output device to perform an output operation in response to the information comprised in the second data packet.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein said performing the action further comprises: storing firmware instructions in a memory in response to the information comprised in the second data packet.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein the second data packet is an acknowledgement responsive to the first data packet and further comprises the information comprised in the second data packet.
 14. A security sensor device comprising: a radio frequency transceiver configured to receive a data packet from a sensor control device on a wireless network; means for processing information comprised in the data packet; means for performing an action in response to said means for processing the information; and means for detecting a sensor fault event.
 15. The security sensor device of claim 14 further comprising: means for performing an output operation in response to said means for processing the information.
 16. The security sensor device of claim 14 further comprising: memory means for storing first firmware instructions executable by said means for processing; and said means for processing information further comprising means for storing a second firmware instructions in said memory means, wherein the data packet comprises the second firmware instructions.
 17. The security sensor device of claim 14 wherein the radio frequency transceiver is further configured to transmit a second data packet on the wireless network in response to receiving the data packet from the wireless network.
 18. The security sensor device of claim 17 wherein the second data packet is an acknowledgement packet.
 19. The security sensor device of claim 14 further comprising: means for processing a sensor fault event signal generated in response to said means for detecting the sensor fault event; means for generating a second data packet in response to said means for processing the sensor fault event signal; and the radio frequency transceiver further configured to transmit the second data packet to the sensor control device on the wireless network. 